Vietnam Family Vacation
12 Days/11 Nights
Overview
This 12-day journey through Vietnam offers a blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and local experiences. Start in Hanoi with its charming Old Quarter, then venture to the stunning Ha Long Bay for a cruise and outdoor adventures. Continue to Hoi An’s ancient streets, explore the history of Hue's Imperial Citadel, and finish in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll uncover hidden gems and historical sites. Throughout the trip, enjoy local cuisine, traditional crafts, and unique activities, including wildlife watching and a Vespa foodie tour.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Arrival and leisure time to recover from jetlag. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Hanoi
Leisure walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Visit the Museum of Ethnology or Temple of Literature.
Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Binh
Scenic drive to Hoa Binh to visit a traditional paper-making workshop with the Muong ethnic community. Learn about their crafts and create your own paper.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Scenic 2-hour drive to Halong Bay. Embark on a boat and visit Luon Cave and Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a cooking demonstration or relax on board.
Day 5: Halong Bay
Morning Tai Chi session. Hike Titov Island for panoramic views and enjoy a swim in Halong Bay. Visit Cua Van Floating Village by bamboo boats or kayak.
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang
Drive back to Hanoi for a flight to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An
Free morning to explore or relax at the hotel. Visit the ancient town and iconic Japanese Bridge, Vietnamese traditional martial arts.
Day 8: Hoi An – Hue
Early morning visit to Son Tra Peninsula for wildlife watching with a conservation expert. Scenic train journey from Da Nang to Hue.
Day 9: Hue
Explore the Imperial Citadel and Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Vintage Vespa foodie tour and home-hosted meal to experience Hue’s local specialties.
Day 10: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Optional city walk or enjoy a cultural show at the Opera House.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Participate in a Scavenger Hunt game around the city. Visit a local chocolate shop and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
Free time for leisure before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
At leisure to get over jetlag. Meeting with your local guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel (check-in from 2 pm onwards).
Meals included: None
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 2: Hanoi
A city of lakes, parks and colonial mansions, Hanoi retains much of its histori cal cal charm and, with an eclectic mix of Asian tempo and French refinement, Vietnam's capital is a city to be savored. After late breakfast, meet with your tour guide for a leisured walking trip. The labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter are the ideal place in which to wander and observe daily life. Here street traders jostle for space on the sidewalks and crumbling houses are crammed into narrow alleyways that are still named after the goods that were traded there - Silk Street, Gold Street and even Fried Fish Street. Returning to the hotel there will then be some time to enjoy relaxing before heading out again.
Later this afternoon, explore the other part of Hanoi by vintage jeep. You are free to choose either to visit to the interactive Museum of Ethnology (close on Mondays) where you will get a chance to learn about the country's rich tribal diversity and take a wander through its sprawling grounds to explore the fascinating ethnic houses - an activity that is fun for children of all ages! Or Temple of Literature, the religious pride that constructed the 11th century Temple of Literature, the heart of the Confucian education system. Then, a drive around the West Lake and French Quarters and small streets will bring you lot of fun and chances to capture the daily routines of local people selling flowers and bonsai from the Jeep.
Tonight, enjoy fusion pizza at 4P's shop. The founder spent years developing a Vietnam-sourced version of cheese which is free of additives and preservatives to blend into his innovative pizza. There is also a good selection of craft beer for the parents!
It's time to savor dessert the local way. Stop at Trang Tien ice cream parlor and queue up with locals. It has been an irreplaceable treat for many generations of Hanoians since it opened in 1958. Anybody who has had the chance to taste it can hardly forget the unique tradition of the capital city. There is no chair, just stand and enjoy the cool and sweet flavor melting on your tongue.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 3: Hanoi-Hoa Binh
After breakfast, get on 1,5-hour scenic drive northwest of Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy papermaking tour to Hoa Binh to understand how the craftsman revive the traditional crafts of making Zó paper and get an insight of the livelihood of the Muong ethnic minority in the North of Vietnam. Have first-hand experience watching the process of making paper when it is just a bark of tree until it becomes the completely paper only by hand. Then make your own paper by your hand and decorating it with flowers, corns, plants, with the help of the secret from 800 years ago of Vietnamese craftsman. Work with craftsmen from the Muong ethnic minority in the North of Vietnam. Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day away from Hanoi´s hustle and bustle with some fresh air and a bamboo house being your hideaway for the day. After a simple lunch at local restaurant, drive back to hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 4: Hanoi- Halong Bay
Meet your guide around mid-morning for a 2-hour drive to Halong Bay. Approximately 160 km from Hanoi, the mystical landscapes of Ha Long Bay are one of Asia's most iconic sights. Translated as the 'Bay of Descending Dragons' and located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long is made up by some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars, lush islands, and emerald waters.
Upon arrival, check-in your boat then savors your delicious lunch while enjoying the majestic landscape.
Your first excursion is a visit to Luon Cave by bamboo boats rowed by locals. The north-eastern part of Bo Hon Island is an ideal destination those who would like to kayak. If this excursion isn't for you, treat yourself to an afternoon tea or simply relax on board. Make next stop at the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave. This is the largest cave in Halong Bay, and the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years have taken on fascinating shapes.
Sunset is a perfect time to enjoy a cocktail or two (on your own account) as it sets over the karst landscape. Foodies can partake in Vietnamese cooking demonstration before dinner and guaranteed to whet the appetite.
While parents enjoy relaxing time, children can go squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: on boat
Day 5: Halong Bay
Early riser can enjoy morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Transfer to a day-trip boat to go deeper into the Bay. Hike to the top of Titov Island for stunning panoramic views of the Bay. After your hike, go for a refreshing swim in Halong Bay's emerald waters, or sip from a coconut in the shade. Then take a trip to Cua Van Floating Village. The largest of five remaining floating fishing villages in the Bay, you will visit Cua Van Floating Village by bamboo boats rowed by locals, or you can opt to kayak. Transfer back to the mother boat for freshening up before a savoring dinner await.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: on boat
Day 6: Halong-Hanoi
Restore your energy and prepare for the day ahead with a fresh and healthy breakfast in the restaurant. Slowly check out and be transferred straight to the airport for onward flight. Upon arrival, meet and transfer for 45min to Hoi An ancient town.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 7: Hoi An
Morning is free at leisure to rest and enjoy your hotel pool. Optional, rent a local bike and follow the map to explore the surroundings.
Devoid of most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is ideal for exploring on foot Discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, merchant houses and the busy waterfront, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. Then end the day in an energic way by joining a 1-hour traditional Martial Art. Visit to a Vietnamese traditional martial arts school. Learn some simple yet fun movements under the guidance of the grand Master.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 8:Hoi An – Hue (Local train @ 13.53-16:19)
Get up early this morning around 6:00am for 1 hour drive to Danang to explore wildlife – endangered, red-shanked douc langur- in Son Tra Peninsula with a conservation expert. Son Tra Peninsula was originally an island before ocean currents and sediment linked it with the mainland. This area is best known for the world's largest population of the endangered, red-shanked douc langur, recognized by the Wildlife at Risk international organization as the 'Queen' of the primate species. Meet with a wildlife expert for an overview about their education programs to raise awareness to the local communities especially school kids about wildlife preservation. Then drive-up hill and slow walk around to observe the wildlife from afar using binoculars. Reach the top of Son Tra to contemplate the beauty of nature and panorama view of Danang city. The trip ends around 9.30am. (Optional on your own account, either spend some time at a local Water Park or chill out at a hotel lounge for a drink and lunch afterward in Danang). Then transfer to Danang train station for a scenic train journey to Hue. Upon arrival Hue, transfer to hotel. Remainder of the evening is free at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 9: Hue
Around mid-morning, drive to the Imperial Citadel. Explore the moated citadel on the northern banks of the river. Built by Emperor Gia Long in the early 1800s, and containing within its walls his private residence, the exquisite Forbidden Purple City, the fortress has suffered from both natural and manmade destruction over the years, including cyclones and battle damage during the Vietnam War. Yet the enclosure remains extremely palatial and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. Opportunities to discover the city's old town by 30-min cyclo. Back to hotel to relax until later this afternoon, visit the Royal tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh who ruled the country for 9 years however, it was built within 11 years, much longer than his reign. Khai Dinh made a tour to France in 1922, as a result, Western architecture was intermingled with the nation's traditional art. This Royal tomb has been classified as a work of “neo - classicism” in Vietnam's history of fine arts.
Continue this early evening with a fun vintage vespa foodie tour and home-hosted meal. Immerse yourself in a world of Hue specialties including Hue beef noodle soup cooked from the pass down generation recipes at a local family. Drive through hidden local family-run eatery and learn how to make traditional steamed green-leaf cake and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Then drive to a venue which is locally well-known for serving only one dish- Hue sizzling pancake. End the day at a hundred-year-old traditional herbal medicine shop to see how they make herbal tea for Kings in the past and get a sip. A leisurely ride on the back of the Vespa takes you back to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 10: Hue-Ho Chi Minh (flight)
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, enjoy an oriented walking tour around the center with your tour guide. Evening, enjoy the spectacular show at the historic Opera House. The show tells the story of Vietnamese culture with a unique mix of bamboo cirque, acrobatic acts, contemporary dance, and theatrical visual art. Ho Chi Minh is well-known for BBQ restaurant on rooftop which you might want to ask your guide to bring you to and enjoy dinner with you to share more interesting stories of Ho Chi Minh history and life (Dinner is on own account).
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Explore the city highlights through Scavenger Hunt game using smart phone with your family. It is new concept of interactive walking tours focusing on different themes and areas of Ho Chi Minh. Using a dedicated app and a provided smartphone, this original excursion invites you to explore hidden parts of the city, learn about historical and cultural sites and interact with local people. Ho Chi Minh’s main landmarks and narrowest lanes are full of secrets that you will enjoy discovering all along the activity. City rails invites you to push closed doors and witness Ho Chi Minh real daily life. Starting from Opera House, your itinerary will be guided by the dedicated app using GPS points and elements of the urban environment. Your family will also be challenged by series of questions, riddles or spot tasks that will test your sense of orientation, observation and deducting skills. Local people will surely help you in your quest and leave long-lasting memories.
Make a quick stop at a local chocolate shop located on a shady street in downtown. You can sample each type of Vietnamese single-origin bean-to-bar chocolate as well as cacao products from local farmers.
After early lunch on your own, be transferred to Ho Chi Minh pier for a private 1,5-hour speedboat journey along the scenic Saigon River to Cu Chi historical site. Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200km in length and stretched from what was then Ho Chi Minh to the Cambodian border. Enjoy a cruise back to Ho Chi Minh for a rest.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: please follow the below suggested list of hotels
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh-(Departure)
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flights.
Meals included: Breakfast
PRICE: The price is subject to your travel dates and the number of people traveling. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Contact us for detailed quotation!
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